Cherokee Family Safety Program Ride. Aug. 29 register at 9 a.m. ride at 12 noon. Meet at 7923 Big Cove Rd., Cherokee, NC.28719 INFO: Thomas Wolfe (828) 269-8989. All proceeds go to the Family Safety Program in Cherokee, NC.

Summer’s Over CCS Back to School Bash. Aug. 6 from 2 p.m. – 6p.m. Cherokee Central School 1968 Big Cove Rd., Cherokee, NC. 28719. Come meet your teachers, explore your school, connect with community partners, and get ready for an exciting new school year. It’s the perfect opportunity to kick off the year together! INFO: (828) 554-5117

NASA Softball Tournament. Aug. 6-8 at John Crowe Ballfields in Whittier, N.C. Info: Janell Rattler (828) 736-3231 or Timmy Ray Smith 788-2793

NAIWA Blueberry Festival. Aug. 15 from 8 a.m. – 3 p.m at the Yellowhill Community Activity Center 1416 Acquoni Rd., Cherokee, NC 28719. Blueberry pancakes, BBQ after 11am., and baked goods. Sponsored by NAIWA. INFO: (828) 736-5285.

MANNA Foodbank Community Market. Aug. 20 from noon – 2 p.m. at the Wolftown Gym 27 Long Branch Rd., Cherokee, NC. 28719. Stop by for free grocery staples, produce and other perishables from MANNA Foodbank. INNFO: (828) 359-6939.

From Darkness Into Hope. Sept. 10 from 3 p.m. – 7p.m. at the Oconaluftee Island Park US-441 N & Newfound Gap Rd S, Cherokee, NC 28719. Annual Mental health Awareness and Suicide Prevention Event. INFO: (828) 359-6180

Honoring Long Person. Sept. 25 from 8 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. meet at Peaches Squirrel Recreation Complex 1139 US-19, Cherokee, NC. 28719. Share a meal, learn about river heritage, then head to the different parts of the Oconaluftee to clean. INFO: facebook.com/HonoringLongPerson.

Vietnam Traveling Memorial Wall. Oct. 7 – Oct. 12 at Burgess – Oocumma Veterans Memorial Cemetery 21 Longbranch Rd., Cherokee, NC. 28719. The 51^st Anniversary of the ending of the “Vietnam War”. C0-hosted by the American Legion Steve Youngdeer Post #143 and EBCI Cherokee Parks and Recreation Department.

Cornhusk Doll Workshop. Aug. 7 from 3 p.m. – 5p.m. at Red Clay State Historic Park. 1140 Red Clay Park Rd SW, Cleveland, TN 37311. Learn to craft traditional cornhusk dolls. Taught by EBCI Member Laura Walkingstick. INFO: (828) 707-6122 or email Rezdogartstudio@gmail.com

35th Annual Cherokee Festival. Sept. 12 and 13 from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. at Sequoyah Birthplace Museum at 576 HWY 360 Vonore, Tenn. 37885. Cherokee Arts and crafts demonstrations, Cherokee storytelling, flute playing, Cherokee dances, name written in Cherokee, genealogy help, craft vendors and food vendors. Info: (423) 884-6246

6^th Annual Cherokee Winter Social. Jan. 30, 2027 from 5 p.m. – 9 p.m. at the Peaches Squirrel Sports and Recreation Complex 1212 Birdtown Rd., Cherokee, NC. 28719. MC: Catcuce Tiger. Everyone welcome. Traditional dress encouraged. All Cherokee Dance groups welcome, bring your rattles and drums. Nikki’s Frybread will be set up. INFO: CHEROKEEWINTERSOCIAL@GMAIL.COM

NAIWA (North American Indian Women’s Association, Inc.) Cherokee Chapter meets the second Thursday of each month at 4:30 p.m. at the West Senior Center in Cherokee, N.C. Eligibility for membership: any American Indian or Alaska Native or Canadian First Nations woman, 18 years of age or older, who is officially identified as a member of a federally recognized Indian Tribe/Nation. The meetings contain information on purpose and further aims. All who meet the eligibility are invited to attend.

Qualla Boundary Historical Society. meets the fourth Tuesday of each month at 5:30 p.m. at the Yellowhill Community Building 918 Acquoni Rd. Cherokee, NC. 28719. Eeryone is welcome to attend the meetings, can join and be a member. The Society is organized to promote, preserve, and educate members of the
Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI), residents of the Qualla Boundary, and others so interested in Cherokee culture, history, arts and crafts, and genealogy/family histories. Follow on Facebook: Qualla Boundary Historical Society. 

(All meetings are held in the Cherokee Tribal Council House in Cherokee, N.C. unless otherwise noted.)

Community Services Committee. Aug. 10 at 9 a.m.

Lands Committee (closed meeting). Aug. 10 at 1 p.m.

Work Session on Tabled Ord. No. 159, Tribe’s law on assignment of possessory holdings. Aug. 11 at 1 p.m.

Work Session on Tabled Ord. No. 210, defining different types of ownership of a possessory holding. Aug. 11 at 2 p.m.

HIP Committee (closed meeting). Aug. 12 at 8:30 a.m.

Roads Commission. Aug. 12 at 10:30 a.m.

Timber Committee. Aug. 12 at 11:30 a.m.

Planning Board. Aug. 12 at 1:30 p.m.

Parks & Recreation Committee. Aug. 13 at 1 p.m.

Work Session on Tabled Ord. No. 250, TABCC budgets, accounts, reports, and audits required. Aug. 13 at 2 p.m.

Work Session on Tabled Ord. No. 226, amending the statute of frauds in Cherokee Code Chapter 22. Aug. 17 at 9 a.m.

Concerts and Shows

Grand Funk Railroad on its “Still Shinin’ On Tour”. Aug. 1 at 7:30 p.m. at Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort Event Center in Cherokee, N.C. For tickets, visit: Grand Funk Railroad: Still Shinin’ On Tour Tickets Aug 01, 2026 Cherokee, NC | Ticketmaster

Gary Allan. Aug 7 at 9 p.m. at Harrah’s Cherokee Resort Event Center in Cherokee, N.C. For tickets, visit: Gary Allan Tickets Aug 07, 2026 Cherokee, NC | Ticketmaster

Gabriel Fluffy Iglesias Live. Aug. 14 at 9 p.m. at Harrah’s Cherokee Resort Event Center in Cherokee, N.C. For tickets, visit: Gabriel Fluffy Iglesias Live Tickets Aug 14, 2026 Cherokee, NC | Ticketmaster

Travis Tritt. Sept. 19 at 7:30 p.m. at Harrah’s Cherokee Resort Event Center in Cherokee, N.C. For tickets, visit: Travis Tritt Tickets Sep 19, 2026 Cherokee, NC | Ticketmaster

Mike Epps. Oct. 2 at 9 p.m. at Harrah’s Cherokee Resort Event Center in Cherokee, N.C. For tickets, visit: Mike Epps Tickets Oct 02, 2026 Cherokee, NC | Ticketmaster

Promotions and Other Events

61^st Annual Shoshone-Bannock Indian Festival. Aug. 6-9 in Pocatello, Idaho. Info: Leah Tindore at ltindore8487@gmail.com

50^th Annual Mohican Pow Wow. Aug. 7-9 at Many Trails Park in Bowler, Wisc. MC: Dylan Prescott. Host Drum: Giitaa’se Singers. Co-Host Drum: Iron Gate. Invited Drums: Sugar Bush, Red Nation Boyz, Medicine Rock. (715) 793-4270, culturalaffairs@mohican-nsn.gov

Tatanka Najin Wacipi. Aug. 7-9 in Fort Qu’Appelle, Saskatchewan, Canada. Emcees: Harold Blacksmith, Tommy Christian. Host Drum: Mato Pejuta. Invited Drums: Tatanka Kuwa, Dakota Hotain, Dry Lake, Otter Trail, Toka Nuwa, Wooden Face, Six Shooter, Elk Whistle, Stoney Park. Info: www.standingbuffalodakotanation.com

28th Annual Honoring the Mounds Gathering. Aug. 8 at Beattie Park in Rockford, Ill. MC: Leonard Malatare. Host Drum: Black Thunderbird. Info: No contact information provided

International Falls Pow Wow. Aug 8 at Smokey Bear Park in International Falls, Minn. MC: Ron Kanutski. Invited Drums: Burntside Lake, Lake Vermillion, Sky Nation, Broken Horn. Info: No contact information provided

107^th Annual Crow Fair. Aug. 12-17 in Crow Agency, Mont. Emcees: Ruben Little Head, Darrin Old Coyote, Sylvan “Buzzy” Covers Up, Dale Old Horn, Robert “Corky” Old Horn. Host Drums: Thursday – Youngs Creek. Friday – War Paint, Wolf Bear. Saturday – Night Hawk Jrs., War Paint. Sunday – Black Whistle, War Paint. Info: (406) 970-5379, www.crowfair.org

Chief Kahkewistahaw Pow Wow. Aug. 14-16 at the Bernard Bob Memorial Pow Wow Grounds in Kahkewistahaw First Nation, Saskatchewan, Canada. Emcees: Chris Scribe Daniel, Sangrey Rising Sun Kaysaywaysemat. Info: Cory Alexson (306) 270-6073

Grand Ronde Contest Pow Wow. Aug. 14-16 at Uyxat Pow Wow Grounds in Grand Ronde, Ore. Emcees: Howie Thompson, Marty Thurman. Host Drum: Mountain Kree. Invited Drums: Bad Nation, Milepost 30, Bad War Cloud, Meskwaki Nation, Little Bear. Vendor info: (503) 879-2037

Neyaashiinigmiing Annual Traditional Pow Wow. Aug. 14-16 at Cape Croker Park in Wiarton, Ontario, Canada. MC: Beedahsiga Elliot. Host Drum: Snake Island. Co-Host Drum: Little Soldier. Invited Drums: Chippewa Travelers, Chippewa Hill, Bedaabin. Info: Tracy (519) 379-9071 or email to powwowcoord@nawash.ca

44^th Annual American Indian Council Pow Wow. Aug. 15-16 at Centennial Hall North at the Boone County Fairgrounds in Lebanon, Ind. MC: LeRoy Malaterre. Host Northern Drum: Little Whirlwind. Host Southern Drum: Iron Bear. Info: (765) 894-1913 or email to Indianaaic@gmail.com

13^th Annual Celebrating the People Pow Wow. Aug. 15 at the Utah Cultural Celebration Center lawn venue in West Valley City, Utah. MC: Tyson Shay. Host Drum: Spring Creek. Info: Info: NativeAmericanEvents801@gmail.com

Celebration of Native American Culture Pow Wow. Sept. 19 in Union City, Tenn. MC: Al Santos. Host Northern Drum: Young Buffalo Horse. Host Southern Drum: Southside. Info: ademaris@discoveryparkofamerica.com

Alcoholics Anonymous meets every Thursday at 6:30 p.m. at Analenisgi. Info: www.AAwnc80.com

Celebrate Recovery meets every Tuesday at 6 p.m. at the Cherokee Baptist Church at 812 Tsalagi Road, in Cherokee, N.C. This is a Christ-centered recovery program for anyone struggling with hurt, hang-ups, and habits of any kind. All are welcome. Info: Chris McMillan (828) 788-5410

Cherokee Cancer Support Group, potluck dinner with a speaker the first Thursday of each month at 5:30 p.m. at Betty’s Place, 40 Goose Creek Rd, Cherokee, N.C. Anyone is welcome to attend the potluck. The group provides educational and emotional support to clients and families of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians members with cancer. The group can provide financial assistance for fuel, lodging, and transportation and also can assist with mastectomy items, nutritional supplements, wigs, and related products. The group can volunteer to take a client to their appointment if it is requested in a timely manner. Betty’s Place is open Monday through Fridays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Info: (828) 497-0788

Life@WesternCarolina. each Wednesday morning during the academic school year the Life@ group meets on the campus of Western Carolina University in Cullowhee, N.C.  For those over the age of 50 and looking for ways to engage with the community. To learn more or register visit life.wcu.edu or contact Western Carolina University Educational Outreach (828) 227-7397.

MARA (Medication-Assisted Recovery Anonymous) meets Thursdays at 5 p.m. in the Rivercane Room at Analenisgi. Info: Analenisgi (828) 497-9163 or visit: https://cherokeehospital.org/locations/analenisgi

Narcotics Anonymous meets on Mondays at 6 p.m. at the Cherokee Indian Hospital. Info: North Carolina NA Helpline (855) 227-6272, or www.NA.org

Connecting to Place II: Blue Ridge Craft Trails Invitational. Aug. 7 – Sept. 27 (Wednesday through Sunday 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.) at Mars Landing Arts Center in Mars Hill, N.C. The 20 participants are from the Far West region of Western North Carolina, representing seven towns and the Qualla Boundary: Franklin, Waynesville, Dillsboro, Bryson City, Cullowhee, Canton, Cherokee, Maggie Valley, and Brasstown. The artwork consists of different mediums including clay, fiber, metal, paper, and wood. This is free and open to the public. Info: (828) 747-7267, http://MarsLandingGalleries.com

Blue Ridge Heritage Weekend art and craft fair. Aug. 8 from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. and Aug. 9 from 11a .m. – 4 p.m. at the Shelton House 49 Shelton St., Waynesville, NC. 28786. Self guided house tours, Haywood market, craft demonstrations, food trucks, family fun. INFO: (828) 452-1551

Pet Food Giveaway. Aug 19  starting at 10 a.m. at the Cherokee Animal Care Clinic 1100 US HWY 441N, Whittier, NC. 28789.

Third Thursday Music Series. Aug. 20 from 6 p.m. – 8p.m. at the Appalachian Women’s Museum 100 W Hometown Pl., Dillsboro, NC. 28725. Featuring Murphy Campbell a contemporary clawhammer banjoist rooted in the influences of the Toe River valley, Murphy has developed a playing style that speaks to those familiar and unfamiliar with old time. INFO: friends@appwomen.org

2026 Trade Fair. Aug. 21 – 22 from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. at the McMinn County Living Heritage Museum, 522 W Madison Ave., Athens., TN. 37303. Crafts, music, history, food, textiles, quilting and more. INFO: (423) 745-0329.

Wildlife Tracking Webinar Aug. 24 from 6 p.m. – 8p.m. participants learn to identify animal tracks and uncover the stories they tell. INFO: (865) 436-7318 or  smokieslife.org

Music on the Porch. Sept. 5 from 2 p.m. – 8 p.m. at the Appalachian Women’s Museum 100 W Hometown Pl., Dillsboro, NC. 28725. Headliner is Julie Odell followed by Savannah Page, The Cherokee Language Choir, Susan Pepper and Lee Knight. Also will have the Dillsboro Smokeshow BBQ Competition.  INFO: friends@appwomen.org

Look Rock Hawk Watch Sept. 17, from 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. meet at the Foothills Parkway West Overlook 7210 Flats Rd., Tallassee, TN.  Seasoned birdwatchers and casual bird enthusiasts alike can witness the spectacle of fall migration. INFO: (865) 436-7318 or  smokieslife.org

Ecological Illustration Workshop Sept. 19 from 9 a.m. – 11 a.m. meet at the Sugarlands Visitor Center 107 Sugarlands Visitor Center Loop rd., Gatlinburg, TN. Walk along the Fighting Creek Nature Trail area of the park near Gatlinburg.  Artists of all skill levels are invited to sharpen their observational skills hosted by this year’s Steve Kemp writer and illustrator in residence, Laurie McDowell. INFO: (865) 436-7318 or  smokieslife.org

Blue Ribbon Country Fair. Sept. 26 from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. at Great Smoky Mountains Heritage Center 123 Cromwell Dr., Townsend, TN. 37882. Watch living historians demonstrate open-hearth cooking, spinning, weaving, wood turning, and blacksmithing. Get up close with quality livestock. Browse vendors and demonstrators who bring genuine old-fashioned country charm to everything they do. INFO: (865) 448-0044.

Monarch Butterfly Tagging & Education Oct. 3 and 7  from 10:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. meet at the Great Smokies Welcome Center 7929 E Lamar Alexander Pkwy., Townsend, TN. 37882.  This will give participants a chance to join local conservation efforts to track the monarch butterfly population during its expected annual migration. INFO: (865) 436-7318 or  smokieslife.org

Elk in the Smokies, Oct. 9 and 17, from 12: 30 p.m. – 6 p.m. at Oconaluftee Visitor Center 1194 Newfound Gap Rd Cherokee, NC. 28719.  Features a naturalist ramble in the during the height of the elk rut, when these iconic animals are most active.  INFO: (865) 436-7318 or  smokieslife.org

Pistol Creek, Catch of the Day. Oct. 10 from 6 p.m. – 8 p.m. at the Sam Houston Schoolhouse 3663 Old Sam Houston School Rd, Maryville, TN. 37804. Bring a lawn chair. INFO: (865) 983-1550.

Cherohala Skyway Festival. Oct. 24 from 10a.m. – 5 p.m.  by the Charles Hall Museum 122 Bank St., Tellico Plains, TN. 37385. Special Josh Graves music tribute. Free admission. Handmade items from many talented crafters and artisans! Vendors offer everything from paintings and photographs, pottery, floral arrangements, wood crafts and turnings, doll clothes, dolls, toys, jewelry, candles, soap, and decorative accessories. Lots of kids activities. Food trucks onsite.  INFO: (423)253-8000

Forest Bathing Guided Walk Oct. 30. From 1 p.m. – 4 p.m. meet at  Oconaluftee Visitor Center 1194 Newfound Gap Rd Cherokee, NC. 28719. Walk along the Kephart Prong Trail on the North Carolina side of the park near Bryson City and Cherokee, slow down and reconnect with nature this immersive experience is designed to highlight the restorative benefits of spending time in the forest.  .  INFO: (865) 436-7318 or  smokieslife.org

Grandma Gatewood’s Walk Nov. 4 from 1 p.m. – 2 p.m. at the Great Smokies Welcome Center 7929 E Lamar Alexander Pkwy Townsend, Tenn.  37882. Explores the inspiring story of the first woman to solo hike the Appalachian Trail in 1955. INFO: (865) 436-7318 or  smokieslife.or

Aunt Liddy Monologue Nov. 12  from 1 p.m. – 2 p.m. at the Great Smokies Welcome Center 7929 E Lamar Alexander Pkwy Townsend, Tenn.  37882. Introduces audiences to Lydia Kear Whaley, a midwife, healer and Civil War widow who lived in Sugarlands from 1840 to 1926. INFO: (865) 436-7318 or  smokieslife.org

Regal Raptors & Short-eared Owls  Nov. 30  from 1 p.m. – 6:45 p.m. Cades Cove Orientation Shelter, Cades Cove Loop Rd. Townsend, Tenn. 37782.  experience an evening of “owl-ology” where participants will learn about these remarkable birds of prey. INFO: (865) 436-7318 or  smokieslife.org